Christmas devotion – A Surprise Baby
It was hard to get my head around this change in events.
Reference: ““I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NIV
Explore: On Christmas 2016 I was 34 weeks pregnant. After 12 years of infertility this natural pregnancy was a huge surprise.
To be honest, it was hard to believe. No matter how many tests we did, I couldn’t quite believe this was finally happening to me.
My first response to God was, “Really God? Really?! Now?!! Why now?!” After giving up all hope of having a biological baby, it was hard to get my head around this change in events.
Application: Now, even with my surprising experience, I don’t assume to know how Mary would have felt when she discovered she was going to have a baby. Her circumstances were quite different to mine.
But what I can appreciate is having your plans suddenly changed by a pregnancy. And I have much greater respect for her travelling so far, sleeping on straw then giving birth to her baby in a stable. That’s certainly not a part of my birthing plan!!
But God’s timing is not always our timing. And God’s plans are not always our plans.
I just pray I can learn to be as willing and gracious as Mary. When things did not go according to her timing or plan, she was open to what God had in store for her.
Life does not always play out how we think it should, but no matter what is happening, God is there for us.
Christmas is a great reminder of how much God truly wants to be there for us. So much so that He gave us His Son, to show us love and how to live.
May we be open to all God has in store for us in this coming year and praise Him for giving so generously of Himself.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Christmas. For the ultimate gift you gave and the reminder that You are always with us. Amen.
What does God have in store for you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.